DATA

• Cases 220
• Hospitalizations 9 
• Deaths 4**

*These are cumulative totals as of 11/02/2021 4pm **Deaths in people with a recent positive COVID

Test.

• CASES PAST 7 days: 11 (1 vaccinated)
• CASES PAST 14 days: 33 (5 vaccinated)

ALL hospitalizations and deaths in Kiowa County were in people who were not vaccinated.

TESTS

This week’s percent positivity was 7.05, down from 10.71 percent last week. The goal is to remain below five percent. Please get tested if exposed or if you have symptoms. 

Community testing is FREE! It will continue at least through February 2022. Call 438-5401 and ask for the lab. If you are having severe symptoms such as significant trouble breathing, etc. call 911. If you would like to opt in to free at home testing please see: https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-at-home

Boosters are available

You should get a booster dose if you:

• Are 65 years old or older.
• Live in a long-term care facility.
• Are 18 to 64 years old and at high risk of severe COVID-19.
• Are 18 to 64 years old and at high risk because of where you live or work. For example, if you live in a college dorm with lots of other students or you work at a grocery store where you are in contact with many people every day, you may be considered high risk.
• You received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for your initial dose.
• If you received Pfizer or Moderna for your first two doses you should receive your booster dose at least six months after your second dose of vaccine, no matter what vaccine product you receive as a booster.
• If you received Johnson & Johnson for your initial dose, you should receive your booster dose at least two months after your first dose, no matter what vaccine product you receive as a booster.

MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENT

The following medical conditions or other factors may place adults and pediatric patients (age 12-17 years and weighing at least 40 kg) at higher risk for progression to severe COVID-19:

• Older age (≥65 years of age).
• Obesity or being overweight (adults with BMI >25 kg/m, or if age 12-17, have BMI ≥85th percentile for their age and gender based on CDC growth charts).
• Pregnancy.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Diabetes.
• Immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment.
• Cardiovascular disease (including congenital heart disease) or hypertension.
• Chronic lung diseases (for example, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma [moderate-to-severe], interstitial lung disease, cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension).
• Sickle cell disease.
• Neurodevelopmental disorders (for example, cerebral palsy) or other conditions that confer medical complexity (for example, genetic or metabolic syndromes and severe congenital anomalies).
• Having a medical-related technological dependence (for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation not related to COVID-19).

Monoclonal antibody treatments are not indicated for use on those who are hospitalized, on oxygen for COVID-19 treatment, or require an increase in baseline oxygen flow rate due to COVID-19.

Get tested if you think you have COVID-19 as the Monoclonal Antibody therapies are VERY effective at reducing the need for hospitalization! They are offered locally and your healthcare provider can coordinate this treatment for you.

NEWS

• Colorado is now 5th in the nation for rate of COVID-19 infections! Southeast Colorado has very high case rates which would have put us in Stay at Home at this time last year! Colorado hospitals are hitting capacity which limits care for those who have non-COVID 19 related injuries or illness. >80% of people hospitalized for COVID-19 are unvaccinated. 
• There are current active outbreaks in Kiowa County. See https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid19-outbreak-data. It is updated on Wednesdays. KCPH will announce any outbreaks that put the public at increased risk.
• COVID VACCINE is available at the public health office. Please call 719-438-5782 to schedule your appointment. All 3 types of vaccine are available. Ask about the incentive program.
• As of 11/01/2021, Kiowa County has 40.5% of eligible persons receiving at least 1 dose of vaccine. The number looks lower because the state updated population numbers to those from 2020. • Pfizer has been approved for Emergency Use Authorization in those ages 5-11! This remains our best tool to stop this pandemic! Call us or your child’s healthcare provider for further information.

TESTING

• If you would like to opt in to free at home testing visit: https://covid19.colorado.gov/covid-19-testing-at-home

OTHER NEWS

• A reminder about isolation and quarantine: If you are quarantined or placed in isolation this means staying home and not going ANYWHERE other than the doctor if you need to be treated or tested. No one should come over. PCPHE can assist you with coordination of prescription pick-up, activities to help the kids not go stir crazy or get delivery for your groceries, etc. PLEASE STAY HOME! This is an effective way of containing the spread of COVID-19. Please help us keep our community safe!
• There have been ongoing school related cases. PLEASE work with the schools, keep your kids home when sick and follow Isolation and Quarantine guidance. Stay in touch with your district for the most up to date information.
• IVERMECTIN is NOT indicated for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19. It is a medication used to treat parasite infections. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICATION, especially the versions meant for livestock as it reduces the availability of the medication for use in livestock and can cause significant damage, and even death!
• Stay home if not feeling well, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently or use 60+% alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Minimize gatherings of those who are not vaccinated. Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces
• The most important thing you can do is continue to follow the guidance we have recommended from the beginning! Stay home if not feeling well, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently or use 60+% alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wear a mask/face covering to contain any respiratory droplets and stay at least 6 feet from others, especially if you are not vaccinated. Minimize gatherings.

Call 719-438-5782 or 719-336-8721 with questions. You can check https://covid19.colorado.gov for information or email pcphdirector@prowerscounty.net with any questions.